SIFF REPORT 3

Week three is better than average.

GRADE---A

WINTER'S BONE--(USA)--A poor Ozark girl trying to keep her family together must find her drug making dad who is on the run from the law before her house will be seized by the courts, but she stirs up dangerous family secrets. A remarkably succinct story and honest acting keep this harrowing tale gripping.

THE TOP TWINS: UNTOUCHABLE GIRLS--(New Zealand)--A brilliant documentary about a singing comedic set of twins, who for 30 years have entertained audiences with country music, yodeling, political protest and social commentary. They are unapologetically gay and out, and are one of New Zealand's most popular acts.


GRADE---B+

WHEN WE LEAVE--(Germany/Turkey)--Sad and harrowing tragedy of a young woman and child seeking independence from an abusive husband against societal restrictions.


GRADE--B

MAO'S LAST DANCER---(Australia)--Lush looking (music and dancing) true story of young Chinese dancer who tries to defect to USA. A very moving finale.


GRADE---B-

ONDINE --(Ireland/USA)--Fairy tale story of girl captured in a fisherman's net (his daughter thinks she is a "selkie"--half human and half seal) turns gritty by the end. The print screened was so dark and grainy that is was hard to see (apparently a light bulb needed replacing), and the film needed subtitles due to mumbled Irish (and other) accents.

THE DRY LAND--(USA)--Moving story of Iraq veteran have trouble adjusting to civilian life.

SON OF BABYLON--(Iraq)--A young Kurdish boy and his grandmother search for his father who was arrested 10 years earlier in the aftermath of Saddam Hussein's regime. They visit prisons and several mass graveyards. The two leads are remarkable and the mood is melancholic, but the lack of narrative strains your interest.

GRADE--C+

SKATELAND---(USA)--Better than you'd expect (from the title and description) teen angst drama set in the 80's. It's well acted, but we've seen this story before.

EVERY DAY---(USA)--A modern family struggles to juggle stress and change (father's roving eye, mother is sudden caregiver to cranky ailing granddad, teen son explores his sexuality, etc) but too many subplots dilute the effect. Despite strong cast (Helen Hunt, Brian Dennehy, Liev Schreiber, Eddie Izzard etc) this plays like an earnest made-for-TV film. Another HD film that is grainy and too dark to watch (see ONDINE above.)

COUNTDOWN TO ZERO--(USA)--Documentary on atomic fears and struggle for international disarmament is well make and makes strong point, but for me I felt like I'd seen and heard this argument before, and if you've been around awhile this will seem like it is preaching to the converted.